How do I wash the pesticides off?

[gatorsmom]

Confession: I don't always buy organic. Sometimes it's not available and sometimes i can't quite swallow the price (pun intended). So, it occurred to me as I was rinsing off some grapes, that I might not have gotten all the pesticides off. Grapes get that waxy coating on them and I am not going to take the time to wipe that all off.

So, did I miss a memo? Is there a certain amount of time to let the water run over my grapes or strawberries, or cauliflower, etc., to make sure the majority of the yuckies are gone? Do I need to do anything else to get ride of them? Because I have no idea.

TIA!!

[infomama]

I use the same thing I use on my floors...50/50 water and vinegar. I did this last night with some non organic broccoli and Dd1 was mortified until I reminded her what was in salad dressing ;). I can see/feel a difference after I use it on produce.
I tried that fit wash spray stuff and it gave me an upset stomach.

[Katigre]

The pesticides are not only on the outside of the skin, they are also inside the fruit because the pesticides permeate the soil and are drawn up into the growing plant.

The tests the government does that determine which produce has the most pesticide residue is done AFTER the produce has been thoroughly washed/rinsed/dried.

I can't always buy organic either, so what I do is not buy the Dirty Dozen non-organic and then don't worry much about the rest. http://www.foodnews.org/fulllist.php

[infomama]

Lookie here http://www.greendaily.com/2007/10/01/vinegar-and-water-gets-fresh-fruit-the-cleanest-better-than-s/

[wellyes]

Vinegar rinses are great but I don't know if they do much for pesticide residue. More for getting fruit / veggies clean (from bacteria). Pick and choose what you buy organically. I skip apples unless I can find organic ones, but "conventional" is just fine for bananas and oranges.

Handy list from http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-top-10-foods-to-eat-organically.html



High-pesticide food: Strawberries
Main nutrient: Vitamin C
Healthy alternatives: Blueberries, raspberries, oranges, grapefruit, kiwifruit, watermelon


High-pesticide food: Bell peppers
Main nutrient: Vitamin C
Healthy alternatives: Green peas, broccoli, romaine, lettuce


High-pesticide food: Spinach
Main nutrient: Vitamins A and C
Healthy alternatives: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus


High-pesticide food: Cherries
Main nutrient: Vitamin C
Healthy alternatives: Oranges, blueberries, raspberries, kiwifruit, blackberries, grapefruit


High-pesticide food: Peaches
Main nutrient: Vitamins A and C
Healthy alternatives: Nectarines, watermelon, tangerines, oranges, grapefruit


High-pesticide food: Mexican cantaloupe
Main nutrient: Vitamins A and C
and potassium
Healthy alternatives: U.S. cantaloupe grown from May to December, watermelon


High-pesticide food: Celery
Main nutrient: Carotenoids
Healthy alternatives: Carrots, broccoli, radishes, romaine lettuce


High-pesticide food: Apples
Main nutrient: Vitamin C
Healthy alternatives: Watermelon, nectarines, bananas, tangerines


High-pesticide food: Apricots
Main nutrient: Vitamins A an C and potassium
Healthy alternatives: Nectarines, watermelon, oranges, tangerines


High-pesticide food: Green beans
Main nutrient: Potassium
Healthy alternatives: Green peas, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, asparagus

[ThreeofUs]

I think this is in infomama's post, but 3 parts water to one part vinegar will take most of the bacteria off the fruit.

Pesticides ... well, there's the problem. I can tell you that thin-skinned fruits/veggies absorb the most pesticides and there is just no getting around that.